Dedication to his Grace The Duke of Mondella

My Great & Gracious Lord Duke of Mondella. Your devoted and humble servant is thrice honoured and humbled to be permitted to dedicate to your noble and esteemed personage, in this Sixty Fourth Year of the Succession, a true and full account of my travels within the Island of Herttach.

Tis my wish that my observations will assist in illuminating the customs and singular habits of this island people, with the ardent wish that a better understanding will be engendered within the minds of all the citizens of divers nations, and toleration for a manner of living and a moral philosophy that differs so greatly from our indigenous experience.

May I also be permitted to lay before you drawings executed by my Son, lately of the Grand Academy. Adept with pen, ink, and gravure, my Son has faithfully laid down pictorial representations consistent with my descriptions to him of sundry places and events.

Your humble and obedient servant,

Dr. Alfredo Waldorf

Biographical Note.

Dr. Alfredo Waldorf was born in a historic city set high within the northern hills of his native land. The fourth son of a prosperous local merchant, whom was latterly honoured with high office as an esteemed member of the Ducal Gleet.

Alfredo Waldorf displayed from an early age particular gifts for scholarship and entered The Ancient University at the age of thirteen. On completing a higher degree, the years following were fruitfully passed teaching and acting as a trusted advisor to The Duke of Mondella.

His travels, for which he has become renowned, commenced in his thirtieth year, leading an official mission to several countries within the Far Eastern regions of the known globe. From that time onwards Doctor Waldorf has travelled widely both in an official and private capacity.

Beloved husband of Beatrice and father of three sons and a daughter. He is also a noted performer on The Sackbut.

This edition rendered into English by Professor, Docktor, Bruno de Groot.